Dec 13th - Winterfest

Benton City's fifth annual WinterFest promises fun and excitement for all ages (kids through adults) with the introduction of new featured activity, Psycho Santa Games. Participants can race through an obstacle course, play one-on-one bungee basketball, and joust to knock their opponent off a pedestal. Just keeping on their feet will be part of the challenge in the air-cushioned arenas which combine safety with a wild and crazy competition. There will also be a bounce house available for younger children.

Competition is also expected to be fierce in the gingerbread house contest. Merchandise certificates for $25, $15, and $10 will be awarded to the best culinary creations. Contestants can start with a kit or from scratch to create a cookie cabin, cottage, or castle, or other construction. Entries will be accepted from 8 - 10 a.m., Saturday morning, Dec. 13 at Ki-Be Middle School.

AnotherOne's Treasures second-hand and antique shop is sponsoring a kids ornament contest for children up through 11 years, and an ugly ornament contest for adults. Entries can be brought to the shop at 612 9th Street (downtown Benton City) by 6:00 p.m. Friday, December 12.

With one of the largest community-based craft shows in the area, up to 50 vendors will be displaying and selling a variety of items sure to please everybody on your gift list. Offerings will include handcrafted jewelry, leatherwork, woodcraft, handmade soaps, fashion hats and scarves, kids fleece, toys, housewares, and much more. While the show boasts about 90 percent handcrafted arts and crafts, shoppers can also find products from favorite companies such as Avon, Discovery Toys, and Scentsy Candles.

A favorite activity from previous WinterFest celebrations, the reading corner gives children a chance to relax and listen to a story. Of course, WinterFest also includes a visit from Santa. The jolly old elf will arrive at 2 p.m. to hear Christmas wishes and pose for pictures with children of all ages. Concessions will be available, and raffles for great prizes will be held throughout the day.

Activities will take place at Kiona-Benton Middle School, 1106 Grace Ave. in Benton City. Hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a lighted parade through downtown to follow at 5:00 p.m.

Individuals, businesses, and organizations are invited to participate; if it moves and you can hang lights on it, bring it on down and join the celebration. Awards will be given for best motorized, non-motorized, and mounted entries as well as the grand Sweepstakes. Entrants should be at the Grace Avenue parking lot by 4:00 p.m. for judging; advance entry is not required.

The celebration will conclude with a tree lighting ceremony and caroling at the large tree next to US Bank following the parade. Local merchants will provide free cookies and hot cocoa.

WinterFest is sponsored by the Benton City Chamber of Commerce and Benton City Lions Club.